Sayonara

Sayonara (1957)

  • 100% of critics liked it
    (9 reviews)

  • 78% of users liked it
    (3,265 ratings)

Sayonara takes its own sweet time to unfold; in so doing, it permits us to make intimate acquaintance with its characters, so as to better understand their multitextured motivations. The film is set in Japan during the Korean War. While on leave, pugnacious American soldier Red Buttons falls in love… More

Play Trailer

Unrated, 2 hr. 27 min.
Directed By
Joshua Logan
Written By
Paul Osborn, James A. Michener
Genres
Drama, Romance, Classics
In Theaters
Dec 5, 1957 Wide
On DVD
Sep 18, 2001
MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

  • Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

    Logan's message picture about interracial marriage is made more enjoyable by the then novelty of locations shooting in Japan as well as likable performances from Marlon Brando, Red Buttons, and rest of the cast.

  • Steve Crum, Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers

    Engaging drama of servicemen in Japan. Top acting by all.

  • Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

    The main plot points have become dated over time, nevertheless the action still feels sincere.

  • Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies

    The supporting cast is remarkable, especially Red Buttons.

  • Dan Jardine, Apollo Guide

    Brando's terrific performance elevates an otherwise unexceptional, though well-intentioned, film

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Wahida K


    I saw Sayonara a long time ago after a friend recommended it to me. It is a great love story. It has some funny moments, some sad moments, some senti moments, and some very weird moments. Over all fine Movie you d want to watch again.

  • Lanning :


    This is another one of those watershed films that is so far ahead of its time in dealing with issues of race, love, and marriage. Definitely one of Brando's most moving endeavors, overshadowed only by the even more masterful performances of Red Buttons and Miyoshi Umeki . This… More

  • Mike T


    The sociopolitical content of this movie becomes its singular driving force at times, and its approach to that material is underwhelming. Joshua Logan's direction is bland but inoffensive, and the story itself has some compelling elements. Marlon Brando is the true saving grace… More

  • Leo L


    Beautiful!

Cast

See full cast

Trailers & Clips

facebook_logo

Now you can share movies with your friends on Facebook!

  • Discover movies your friends are watching
  • Keep track of what you want to see
  • Add your reviews to your Timeline